Bilateral and Unilateral Asymmetries of Isokinetic Strength and Flexibility in Male Young Professional Soccer Players

• Authors: Abdolhamid Daneshjoo , Nader Rahnama , Abdul Halim Mokhtar , Ashril Yusof
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

This study investigated bilateral and unilateral asymmetries of strength and flexibility in male young professional soccer players. Thirty-six soccer players (age: 18.9 ± 1.4 years) participated in this study. A Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer was used to assess the hamstring and quadriceps strength at selected speeds of 60°/s, 180°/s and 300°/s. Hip joint flexibility was measured using a goniometer. No difference was observed in conventional strength ratio, dynamic control ratio and fast/slow speed ratio between the dominant and non-dominant legs (p>0.05). All but one of the players (97.2%) had musculoskeletal abnormality (bilateral imbalance > 10%) in one or more specific muscle groups. The dominant leg had greater hip joint flexibility compared with the non-dominant leg (108.8 ± 10.7° versus 104.6 ± 9.8°, respectively). The findings support the hypothesis that physical performance and movement pattern experienced during soccer playing may negatively change the balance of strength in both legs (bilateral strength balance), but not on the same leg of the young male professional soccer players. The results can be helpful for trainers and coaches to decide whether the players need to improve their balance and strength which in turn may prevent injury. It is suggested that in professional soccer training, quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength, as well as hip joint flexibility should not be overlooked.

Keywords

EN

isokinetic strength; flexibility; competitive soccer players

• Publisher: De Gruyter Open
• Journal: Journal of Human Kinetics
• Year: 2013
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 45-53

Dates

published

1 - 03 - 2013

online

13 - 04 - 2013

Contributors

author

Abdolhamid Daneshjoo

• Sports Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

author

Nader Rahnama

• Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

author

Abdul Halim Mokhtar

• Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

author

Ashril Yusof

• Sports Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/hukin-2013-0005